Sweat Sensor Device with Thermal Stimulation for Predictable Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sweat sensing technologies are labor-intensive, inconvenient, and costly, limiting their potential for continuous or repeated biosensing, especially for applications like glucose monitoring, due to unpredictable and difficult-to-control sweat sampling rates.
Innovation Solution
A sweat sensor device capable of smart sweat stimulation and sensing, using physical, optical, or thermal methods to control and predict sweat sampling rates, minimizing skin irritation and achieving a desired number of sampling events per day, while integrating sensors and algorithms to optimize sweat collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sweat sensing methods are used (manual collection and lab analysis), then biomarker analysis can be performed, but the process is labor-intensive, inconvenient, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sweat sensor device performs self-stimulation and self-sensing operations. The controller automatically controls the sweat stimulation component to stimulate sweat glands, then activates the sweat sensor to detect biomarkers in the collected sweat, eliminating the need for manual sample collection and laboratory analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: the sweat stimulation component (heating element), the sweat collection mechanism, and the biomarker detection sensor are all combined in one device that can autonomously perform the complete workflow from stimulation to analysis
2Productivity
If sweat sampling rate is increased to improve monitoring frequency, then more data can be collected, but skin irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is configured to control the sweat stimulation component to stimulate the sweat glands at periodic intervals to produce a desired number of sweat samples per day. This periodic stimulation approach allows for optimized sampling frequency that balances data collection needs with skin comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The sweat stimulation system dynamically adjusts the stimulation parameters based on real-time feedback from the sweat sensor and controller, allowing the sampling rate to be optimized for each user's skin tolerance and physiological response
3Reliability
If chemical sweat stimulation is used to control sweat rate, then predictable sampling can be achieved, but skin irritation and negative side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical stimulation methods with a physical/thermal stimulation approach. The sweat stimulation component uses controlled heating to stimulate sweat glands, substituting the chemical action of traditional methods with a thermal-mechanical approach that achieves predictable sweat production without the harmful side effects of chemical agents
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device improves the dependability and predictability of sweat sampling, enabling efficient and minimally irritating continuous monitoring of sweat biomarkers, enhancing the capability of sweat sensing as a biosensing platform.
Implementation Method 1
use physical, optical or thermal sweat stimulation to augment or replace chemical sweat stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invention provides sweat sensing devices with smart sweat stimulation and sensing embodiments: which improve the dependability and predictability of sweat sampling rates; achieve a desired number of sweat sampling events per day while minimizing skin irritation and prolonging device lifespan; and use physical, optical or thermal sweat stimulation to augment or replace chemical sweat stimulation.